Get your Golf on: Pro-tips with Camilla Lennarth

Rebecca Martin

As summer is nudging closer and golf season teeing off, bogey buffs and putting partisans are dusting off their clubs, sprucing up their golfing gear and heading out on the green. This year, the SCC has decided to join them. Together with Members Mint Greens and J. Lindeberg we are hosting an exclusive event at Burhill Golf Course, giving Members a chance to take part in the Jubilee Pairs Cup.

In preparation for this The LINK caught up with Swedish pro golfer Camilla Lennarth, currently playing on the Ladies European Tour (LET), to get the insider view on why golf is the bees knees, how to improve one’s game and how to prepare for the big competition.

What is it you love the most about the game of golf?
I love to hit the white golf ball over and over again. It's such a challenge to be able to repeat that good swing and not lose your head over a bad shot or a bad round.  

What in your golf career are you most proud of to date?
My first win on the Ladies European Tour in 2014. It was proof for me that I can compete on this level and it's such a great feeling to be able to wrap up a tournament after all hours of practice I've put in throughout my life. 

Dreams for the future? The most coveted win?
I want to continue to play great golf and move on to the highest level of female golf on the Lpga tour in the US. Win on the Lpga tour and represent Europe in the Solheim Cup would fulfil some of my dreams. 

What is your favourite J. Lindeberg item? Why?
I love J.Lindeberg because I feel so sporty but also feminine at the same time. There are so many pieces I like but my favourite is the bright pink trousers that I wore on the Thursday of my very first British Open in 2013 at St. Andrews. I played my way into the lead with Morgan Pressle and those pink trousers could be seen from miles away. I haven't used them since then, they have a special place in my wardrobe and I'll never throw them away. 

What is your best tip to improve one’s game? The most common mistake that a hobby player makes?
My best tip to improve your game is to check your grip pressure while warming up on the range. I've played with a lot of amateurs who all tend to grip the club so hard that their arms almost tire out. They tend to do so because they think it creates control, that they can  control the club's swing path and impact. But really the opposite is true. If you can grip the club very softly it's much easier to let the body do work, which is what we all really want. We want the big muscles to work and create power and solid strikes. 

The most common mistake amateurs make is to not have a game plan when playing on the course. Play to your strengths and play smart. By that I mean that just because a par 5 is reachable in two shots it might not be the smartest choice. Sometimes or often it's better to lay up on your second shot to a distance where you can hit your favourite iron club on to the green. Solid and smart play creates less stress on your game and the good scores will then come to you. 

How do you prepare for a big competition?
I prepare differently depending on what type of course I'm about to play. If I'm about to play on a links course I practice low shots and chip shots with my 4 iron. If it's a really big tournament coming up I make sure I practice my short game a little bit extra. 

What is the one thing those of our Members who are playing in the Jubilee Pairs Cup should think of ahead of the competition?
I think that to play a good round of golf it's important to warm up properly before going to the range. A bit of stretching to get the muscles warm and alert and to not injure yourself is key. 

For a chance to take part in the Jubilee Pairs competition, sign up here, or alternatively email wiberg@scc.org.uk to secure your spot. Places for this event are limited - book now to avoid disappointment!